has come into so much prominence lately through the discovery of gold on
the Klondike.

Whichever of these points can be reached, it is purposed to send the
provisions across Alaska to Point Barrow by reindeer.

There is a reindeer station at Point Clarence, and so it would be better
to reach this spot if possible; but the captain of the revenue-cutter
_Bear_, which cruises in Alaskan waters, says that there is too much ice
already for it to be possible to reach either Port Clarence or St.
Michaels.

The reindeer will, however, be used when other means of travelling are
impossible, and they will bring the supplies to the imprisoned whalers.

There are at present eleven hundred head of deer in Alaska, all in a
healthy and thriving condition.

Last December, the superintendent of the reindeer station at Port
Clarence thought he would try and see just how useful these beasts could
be made, and whether it would be possible, by their aid, to establish
communication between Arctic Alaska and civilization.

He took with him nine sleds, seventeen reindeer, and two Lapp teamsters.

[Illustration: REINDEER TEAM. _From Photograph Taken in Alaska._]

Here is his description of the trip:

"The journey was a very difficult one. Barren mountains whose sides